FROM THE GERMAN OF UHLAND. <br /> <br />There sits a lovely maiden, <br />The ocean murmuring nigh; <br />She throws the hook, and watches; <br />The fishes pass it by. <br /> <br />A ring, with a red jewel, <br />Is sparkling on her hand; <br />Upon the hook she binds it, <br />And flings it from the land. <br /> <br />Uprises from the water <br />A hand like ivory fair. <br />What gleams upon its finger? <br />The golden ring is there. <br /> <br />Uprises from the bottom <br />A young and handsome knight; <br />In golden scales he rises, <br />That glitter in the light. <br /> <br />The maid is pale with terror-- <br />'Nay, Knight of Ocean, nay, <br />It was not thee I wanted; <br />Let go the ring, I pray.' <br /> <br />'Ah, maiden, not to fishes <br />The bait of gold is thrown; <br />The ring shall never leave me, <br />And thou must be my own.'<br /><br />William Cullen Bryant<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-northern-legend/
